Makara will lead the expansion of BioDuro's computational chemistry, AI and lead discovery capabilities, while integrating computational approaches more deeply across its early drug discovery platform.
He brings more than 20 years' experience spanning pharmaceutical, biotechnology and technology companies, with expertise in library development, hit-to-lead and lead optimisation, computer-aided drug discovery and AI-assisted drug discovery.
Makara previously founded and served as CEO of ChemPass and was CEO and CTO of ComInnex, where he co-founded the company's chemistry services business. Earlier in his career, he was Site Head of AMRI Hungary and led Merck & Co's Target Validation Chemistry group in Rahway, where he developed a fragment-based lead discovery platform. He has also held a director-level role at Neogenesis Pharmaceuticals.
In his new role, Makara will work across BioDuro's discovery organisation, applying approaches including molecular modelling, structure-based drug design, fragment-based discovery, virtual screening and molecular design.
The company said these capabilities will complement its existing chemistry, biology and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) expertise, with the aim of helping clients accelerate hit identification, lead generation and optimisation.
"Greg brings deep experience across computational chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and early-stage drug discovery," said Dr Armin Spura, CEO of BioDuro. "His expertise will help us further strengthen our integrated discovery platform and provide clients with more powerful, data-driven approaches to advance their programmes."
Makara said he was looking forward to connecting BioDuro's computational and experimental capabilities to support challenging drug discovery programmes and accelerate the progression from hits to optimised leads.
